The fine structure of the epidermis of two species of salmonid fish, the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar l.) and the brown trout (Salmo trutta L.). I. General organization and filament-containing cells.

The fine structure of the epidermis or two species of salmonid fish has been described. Gross characteristics have been noted along with many apparent differences in the epidermis of different body regions of the fish. The major cell type is the filament-containing cell and this has been described in detail. The major inclusions of the cell are the tonofilaments. Differences in basal, mid-epidermal and periphal filament-c0ntaingcells have been characterized. Comparisons of fish epidermis with that of other vertebrates has been made.